• Courtesy: Meridian Township Parks & Recreation Department

MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the Henslow’s Sparrow is a statewide endangered species.

The Michigan Audubon Society states, that the Henslow’s Sparrow is Michigan’s smallest species of Sparrow at no more than 5 inches long and weighing only half an ounce. This grassland bird blends in with its surrounding and uses the tall grass as it’s home.

Meridian Township's Parks & Recreation Department were unaware of the species living in the natural land known as Davis-Foster Land Preserve, until a member from the Michigan Audubon society brought it to their attention a few years ago.

Since their discovery, Jane Greenway, Parks & Land Management Coordinator said precautions have been taken.

"To try to protect this area we post signs that ask people to keep their dogs on the leashes and to kind of stay out of the tall grass areas so that they don't disturb the sparrow. We also modify our prescribed burn rotation so that we're not conducting a burn where the sparrow is and if we do do one in the future we'll do it when there's not birds nesting,' said Greenway.

The Henslow’s Sparrow is native to the grasslands of east-central United States and its population numbers have steadily declined over the years due to its loss of habitat.

According to the Michigan Audubon Society, John James Audubon first discovered the species in Kentucky in 1820.